Where to go in Kakadu?

by Michael Morgan

Jim Jim Falls

Cut into the magnificent Arnhem Land Escarpment, Jim Jim Falls boasts an impressive 200 meters in height and typically flows between the months of November and April which is the time of the wet seasons here in the Northern Territory. During this time visitors can expect the area to by closed for swimming as it is far too dangerous however, towards the end of the season when it’s a little calmer and during the dry season ( May – October ) it makes for a amazing trek and swim.

Access to Jim Jim falls is through the use of 4 wheel drive which is needed for the Jim Jim Falls dirt track which you can find east of the Kakadu highway 43 kilometers just south of Jabiru. Although access is by four wheel drive only, travelers should allow a traveling time of around 30 minutes each way.Many car hire business’s restrict the use of their vechiles in such areas, so double check with your dealer before you venture here with a hired four wheel drive car. Alternatively, a Kakadu tour is a great way to see this area.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is located 10 kilometres south of Jim Jim falls and access to this area is via the same road taken to Jim Jim Falls which is east of the Kakadu Highway 43 kilometres south of Jabiru. From the Twins Falls carpark there is a further 10 kilometre drive south through which you will need to cross Jim Jim Creek. This creek can be up to one metre in depth and you may need a snorkel on your vehicle to cross. Again, this is strictly a four wheel drive track only and users should allowed 30 minutes traveling time each way.Once at Twin Falls Gorge travelers can take a guided boat cruise up to the falls itself ( fees apply: roughly $10 ). From here visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk towards the falls. Although back in the 90s tourists were permitted to swim in this area, it has since been closed for swimming due to crocodiles inhabiting the area. Much like Jim Jim Falls, during the wet season they flow heavily but slow down to a trickle during the Dry season.

Gunlom Falls

One of the most beautiful areas in Kakadu national park, Gunlom falls comprises of two sections; the top and the bottom. Although visitors have the option of swimming down at the bottom of the falls, if your willing to take the hike up to the top, a series of waterholes awaits along with one of the most famous and breath taking views one can get of Kakadu. And this can be enjoyed whilst swimming in the waterholes at the top.To reach Gunlom turn east off the Kakadu Highway onto the Gunlom Falls track and drive for 20 kilometres to Yurmikmik. Around this area are a series of interconnected walking tracks that can make for a great experience during the wet seasons ( Nov – Apr ). To get to Gumlom falls continue past Yurmikmik to the Gunlom Y junction and turn left. From here you will need to travel a further 10 kilometres. Be careful when travelling down this raod as it is unsealed and sandy. This is due to the continuous flood of the road each year during the wet season.

Barramundi Gorge

Located almost in the middle of Kakadu and lying just of the Kakadu Highway, Maguk is a series of plunge pools, waterfalls and underwater tunnels. To reach the pools travelers must walk along a 1km trail through a beautiful monsoonal forest comprising of lush vegetation and sounds of the wilderness to eventually arrive at the bottom level of Maguk. Here one can experience crystal clear water of the bottom plunge pool or hike up to the top where a series of smaller water holes and underwater tunnels await.

Jabiru

Jabiru is located right in the heart of Kakadu at the meeting points of the Arnhem and Kakadu Highways and acts as the center of society in the national Park. Originally a small mining town, Jabiru features a small town plaza that includes a video souvenir shop, a supermarket, bank, tackle shop, cafe, hairdresser, post office, news agency, bank and bakery as well as government, Northern Land Council offices, Magistrates Courts and emergency services. During the Wet season (October to April), Jabiru experiences heavy rain that often results in widespread flooding along the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway.

Nourlangie Rock

Nourlangie rock is an aboriginal art site located in the eastern side of Kakadu Park. From a distance the site appears to be a lonesome mountain of rock amongst a field of trees and bush and for tens of thousands of years has been home to the aboriginals of the region.Evidence to this lineage comes from the numerous amounts of rock art which can be found throughout the site. Many of these paints have been created in order to support the important cultural stories concerning ancient beliefs, laws, social values and ceremonies.Reaching the paintings is done by foot and is only a short distance away from the Nourlangie carpark. The track takes you on a circular path around the site and is about 1.5km long.During dry season ( April – September ) members of the park rangers and local aboriginals provide visitors with an informative talk on the ancient art site; free of charge.

Ubirr Rock

One of the more famous locations in kakadu; Ubirr is famous for its breathtaking views and ancient aboriginal rock paintings. Its located in the East Alligator region of Kakadu and is made up of a group of rocks that outcrop on the egde of the Nadab floodplains. The rock art here depicts religious icons and animals as well as important cultural stories concerning ancient beliefs, laws, social values and ceremonies.However, the rock art is not the only reason why visitors frequent this area. The views from the top are world renowned and provides travelers with a panoramic view of the floodplains and escarpments that is especially beautiful at sunset. Many of the famous pictures of Kakadu are taken from this exact spot.The rock art can be viewed by a simple circular walk which goes for about 1km. However, a moderately steep 250m climb will take you to the top where you can take in the amazing views of the floodplains.Roads to this area are subject to seasonal conditions and should be checked before departure.

Yellow Waters

An area in kakadu which should not be missed by visitors, Yellow water is filled with flora and fauna and is a cultural icon of the area.Located near Cooinda lodge just off the Kakadu Highway, this land-locked billabong is home to large numbers of crocodiles, bird species, marine life, wild horses and buffalo.To see this area, travellers can enjoy a boat cruise, fishing trip or explore the area by a system of interconnecting board walks.